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Manitoba

Selkirk RCMP uses Facebook in order to solve rash of property crimes

WINNIPEG - A little advice for all you fledgling vandals out there: if you're going to spray paint the same doodle on properties throughout the province, you might not want to advertise that fact on Facebook.

Selkirk RCMP said they've solved a recent rash of vandalism in the area north of Winnipeg, with an unlikely assist from the social networking website.

Officers say they were investigating a series of graffiti complaints in Selkirk and the rural municipalities of St. Andrews and St. Clements involving a cartoon face spray painted on bridges, signs, properties and residences. It's possible some spots in Winnipeg were also spray painted, RCMP said.

The officers were later alerted to the fact the same design had appeared on Facebook - a tip that led them to an 18-year-old St. Clements man.

The man's name has not been released because he was a youth at the time of the offences.

He has not been formally charged, but has instead been referred to the Selkirk Justice Committee for extrajudicial measures.

In the meantime, Selkirk RCMP are asking for the public's help in identifying any other locations marked with the same graffiti.

Those with related information are asked to call Selkirk RCMP at (204) 282-1222 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).